Removing a recuperator in Zelzate
For a steel manufacturing corporation in Zelzate, Belgium, KOOLE Contractors has removed a recuperator. Recuperators are used in the production of steel in order to recover waste heat, so it’s not lost.
The first phase of this project was to cut loose and remove the ventilation channels and fan, then the recuperator of furnace 3 was dismantled. The large components were transported to the lay-down area using two crawler cranes.
The different materials (stone and metal) were separated at the source and disposed. The installation did not contain any asbestos or other environmentally harmful substances.

Removal of thirteen oil tanks in Rotterdam
At the moment KOOLE Contractors is removing thirteen oil tanks in the port of Rotterdam. The tanks have to be removed because they have become obsolete. The height of the tanks varies from 5 to 14 meters high.
Before systematically removing the tanks, the insulation and aluminum siding is removed and separated at the source. Some of the tanks contain a small amount of asbestos and waste product. This will also be remediated by KOOLE. Remediation of these hazardous substances requires a safe and meticulous approach. For example, asbestos is hermetically packed, separated and taken off site.
It is not the first time that KOOLE removes a tank farm. KOOLE has previously removed a tank farm in Feluy, Belgium.

First KOOLE Newsletter has been sent
The first edition of the KOOLE Newsletter is out. This newsletter gives you an update of KOOLE Contractors’ activities. Here you can find useful information about our projects, equipment and everything in between. This way you are always acquainted with KOOLE. If you have not read the newsletter yet, click here.
Do you wish to receive the newsletter? You can subscribe here for the newsletter.

KOOLE Contractors removes sludge for construction N31
For the construction of the new N31 in Harlingen, KOOLE Contractors has removed sludge. The sludge was lying on top of the underwater concrete, which was cleaned in order to make room for the foundation of the road. With the help of the Vacupress vacuum truck an area of nearly 550 m2 was cleaned.
The Vacupress vacuum truck can remove liquids and small materials, such as gravel, sand and granulate.
The N31 is the direct connection between Amsterdam and Leeuwarden via the Afsluitdijk and Harlingen. This road is recreated in order to improve the accessibility of Friesland.
Watch the video to see how KOOLE works.

KOOLE Contractors at Offshore Energy 2016
KOOLE looks back, with great pleasure, at a very successful Offshore Energy 2016, in which everyone gained new inspiration and (renewable) energy. KOOLE would like to thank everyone who visited the stand and hopes that you’ve gained a positive impression of KOOLE's services during your visit. Please take a look at the impression video of Offshore Energy 2016.

Decommissioning chemical plant in Geel, Belgium
KOOLE has started the dismantling of a chemical plant on the INEOS site in Geel, Belgium. A truck-loading dock, parts of a production building, some silo construction units and smaller production installations will be removed. Highlight of the work was the stepwise deconstruction of a 76 m high flare. Also the asbestos containing materials will be remediated by KOOLE.
The decommissioning started in mid-August 2016 and will be completed by the end of December 2016.

KOOLE Contractors wins A-award at Integrated Event 2016
KOOLE won the A-award during the Integrated Event 2016 at the ESSO refinery in Rotterdam. During this event, contractors were evaluated in terms of safety, quality, efficiency and cooperation. This happened in 73 days of intensive activities, such as; working at heights, working in confined spaces and complex rigging jobs. The contractors who were among the top in these areas earned the A-award.
Safety and quality have KOOLE’s highest priority during the operation. This award is a recognition and appreciation for all the effort of the employees of KOOLE.

KOOLE Spidercrane, proving his service for over 5 years
The spidercrane is still proving his service, and going on strong for over 5 years!
The spidercrane is a remote controlled excavator with four hydraulic feet, that is positioned on top of very high constructions like chimneys. The spidercrane is equipped with a series of radio transmitters and HD cameras, so the crane driver can accurately control the spidercrane with the help of remote controls and LED monitors.
While the spidercrane is doing his job at a 400 feet height, the crane driver is safely on the ground controlling the operation. This unmanned crane represents a great leap forward in terms of safety and risk reduction.
Watch the video to see how the spidercrane works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buLbVFh7p-8

KOOLE Contractors removed burned part of warehouse De Meern
In June 2016 a raging fire damaged a big part of a warehouse in De Meern. Hundreds of oranges were stored inside the warehouse when the fire broke out. There were no dangerous substances released during the fire. KOOLE was contracted to secure and clear the site.
After the fire department extinguished the fire, KOOLE deployed heavy equipment to help clean up the damage, the oranges and water.
Because of our removal technique, the surrounding buildings that didn’t take any fire damage could also be remained intact during the demolition activities. The project was completed several weeks after the fire.

Interview Seaport-Magazine
The new issue of Seaport-Magazine features a two paged interview with CFO Jurgen Treffers and Operations Manager Pieter van Vuuren. The occasion for the interview is the strong focus of KOOLE on the decommissioning of oil and gas platforms in the North Sea. Click on the link to read the article.

KOOLE Contractors starts decommissioning of Harculo power plant
Owner Engie Energy Netherlands has appointed KOOLE Contractors to remove the IJssel Central in Zwolle, better known as the Harculo power plant. KOOLE has recently started the preparation of the demolition.
Engie Energy Netherlands recently announced that the last activities of the power plant have been stopped on 1 January 2016 and that the complete closure and remediation of the plant is the most cost-effective solution. Only the solar park is in operation when it comes to power generation.
The project includes the dismantling of the entire building complex. In the power plant are six boilers and corresponding turbines being dismantled. In addition, the entire area of the natural gas-fired power plant will be remediated. KOOLE has been selected because of its experience in dismantling industrial plants and its specialized personnel and equipment. It will take until late 2018 to completely remove the plant, due to the complexity of the building and the installations.
The IJssel Central in Harculo was commissioned in 1955. The main building is 240 meters long and 50 meters high. The complex comprised originally only one chimney, with four additional chimneys erected at a later stage. In present day there are only two of the five chimneys remaining. Power was originally generated by utilizing coal and this was later replaced by oil.
During the removal of the plant the nature environment surrounding the plant will be carefully considered. For example, the boilers and chimneys are not decommissioned during the breeding season, from mid-March to mid-October. This will protect natural environment during this sensitive period.
This project is one of the largest dismantling projects ever conducted in the Netherlands. There is no new destination determined for the site when the power plant is fully removed.
KOOLE Contractors is an international industrial and maritime service- and solution provider with specializations in industrial demolition, remediation, wreck removal and quay construction. KOOLE is Headquartered in the Netherlands and has offices on four continents.

KOOLE registered as Achilles FPAL supplier
KOOLE is proudly to announce that we are now fully registered as a Achilles FPAL supplier to the Oil & Gas Industry for the provision of products and services. The decommissioning market is a growing industry. To respond effectively to the growing market an Achilles FPAL registration is mandatory.
The prime objective of Achilles FPAL is to identify opportunities for cost reduction and performance improvement throughout the supply chain. KOOLE already received a JQS registration as a supplier of services to the Nordic Oil and Gas Industry. The FPAL registration gives KOOLE access to the UK market and the rest of Europe.

Wreck removal mv SALOOS, Angola
Roll-on-roll-off container vessel SALOOS capsized in May 2014 at Cabinda anchorage in Angola, carrying 155 containers and cargo. After the grounding of the vessel, an unknown amount of containers was scattered in an area of 60 km² with several containers stranded on the beach.
KOOLE was contracted in 2015 to remove the complete vessel, survey the area of 60 km² and remove all detected containers and debris.
Two tugboats and four barges were mobilized, equipped with 24 chainpullers, several cranes (500ton – 200 ton), salvage and survey-equipment to Angola to execute the wreck- and cargo-removal.
While the area was being surveyed and containers were removed from the seabed and the beach, the wreck was prepared for lifting and removal. By utilizing directional drilling, a total of twelve chains were positioned underneath the wreck and the hydraulic chainpullers pulled the wreck from the mud.
After releasing the wreck from the seabed, the vessel was removed in situ with chisel and torch cutting and all containers and debris originated from M.V. SALOOS were identified and removed.

KOOLE Contractors establishes KOOLE MAMMOET Salvage
Mammoet Holding B.V., based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, has sold its Salvage assets to Koole Contractors, with effect from the 1st of February 2016. All ongoing current salvage projects will be executed and finished by Mammoet Salvage B.V. and its experts, in accordance with the respective contracts. Careful consideration of the future of Mammoet Salvage and its employees led to this agreement. The agreement constitutes a transfer of Mammoet personnel to Koole and the sale of salvage equipment to Koole. Under this deal, employment will be preserved.

Demolition of a chemical plant
KOOLE has started the asbestos removal and demolition of the FCP-A unit at Evonik Antwerp. The 36 meter high FCP-A unit includes office buildings, semi-open and closed production units, storage tanks, loading berth and a storage shed. The surrounding pipe bridges and businesses remain operational during the demolition.

VGM Book
As one of few Demolition contractors in The Netherlands, KOOLE BV is certified for SSC Petrochemical. For KOOLE NV in Belgium this is identical.
This is not particularly because of the demands of our customers, but because the board of KOOLE wants to show clearly that health, safety and environment at work is considered as the utmost importance.
One of the major differences compared to SCC** is that in case of SCC-P, special attention to SHE awareness and SHE behavior in the workplace is required. The underlying thought is that over 80% of the accidents is caused by human action. By taking measures right here, this rate can be lowered.
After introducing an internal LMRA card by KOOLE, a few years ago and presented to all employees, the SHE handbook was published in paperback format under the Dutch title ‘VGM handboek’. All employees are invited to carry the SHE handbook at all times at work, just like their safety passport. This handbook is not only intended as a reference, but mostly in contributing to improve the SHE awareness and the associated SHE behavior in the workplace.

Energy plant Rotterdam
With the environmental rules and regulations getting more strict worldwide, gas fired energy plants are modernizing all the time.
Prolongation of the current installation was not cost-effective anymore and therefore dismantling was necessary.
KOOLE has removed the following elements:
• Transformator
• Gas turbin
• Three gas turbine buildings
• Steam turbine building
• Three boiler rooms
• Two pumping facilities
The dismantling has taken place down to 5.5 meters below ground level. The operation has taken ten months and is currently taking place in the final stage.

2013-11
NLR

2013-01
Aquafin

2013-01
Tata Steel

IJmuiden, the Netherlands - Removal of two boilers (boiler 21 and 22).

2013-01
GSK

Rixenart, Belgium - Dismantling cooling water lines.

2013-01
Industeel

Charleroi, Belgium - Soil remediation.

2013-01
CEI-De Meyer

Duffel, Belgium - Removal of railroad viaduct at Duffel Belgium.

2013-01
Janssen Farmaceutica

Beerse, Belgium - Demolition of a pilot plant.

2013-01
Oiltanking

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of several tanks.

2013-01
Sagrex

Sagrex, Belgium - Dismantling of crushing line of the Quenast quarry.

2013-01
Palm

Steenhuffel, Belgium - Demolition of several process lines.

2012-01
Smurfit Kappa

Roermond, the Netherlands - Demolition of a watertank.

2012-01
Borealis

Beringen, Belgium - Demolition of an HDPE plant.

2012-01
Styrolution

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of concrete constructions.

2012-01
Air liquide

Seraing, Belgium - Demolition of a 600 T2 Nebulizer.

2012-01
Monument Chemicals

Antwerpen, Belgium - Demolition chimneys and several installations.

2012-01
ExxonMobil

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of the Hydrotreater at the Performance Intermediates Plant in Antwerp.

2012-01
Fuji Oil

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of EVRA.

2012-01
Ineos

Geel, Belgium - Demolition of spheres.

2012-01
ATPC Terminal

Antwerp, Belgium - Creation of several concrete openings at the VTTI oil terminal.

2012-01
Umicore

Olen, Belgium - Removal of the 74 meter high brouhon tower and part of the process installations.

2012-01
Praxair

Oevel, Belgium - Removal of the coldbox and installations.

2012-01
Removal theatre

Helmond, the Netherlands - Removal of theatre 't Speelhuis which was destroyed during a heavy fire.

2011-01
BASF

Feluy, Belgium - Removal of several installations and two chimneys with a height of 100 meters. The chimneys were removed by means of remote controlled unmanned demolition crane and FRACO system.

2011-01
SPE Gent

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of inlet duct.

2011-01
Katoen Natie

Antwerp, Belgium - Remediation of buildings damaged by fire.

2011-01
Sadaci

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of molybdenum-aluminum furnaces.

2011-01
NEOCHIM

Feluy, Belgium - Demolition of several tanks at the NEOCHIM biodiesel and glycerine plant in Feluy.

2011-01
Pier van Scheveningen

Scheveningen, The Netherlands - Removal of building on pier, which was destroyed during a fire.
Burned residue was transported by helicopter.

2011-01
DSM

IJmuiden, The Netherlands - Removal of the complete DSM plant with an area of 130,000 m². The plant consisted of 40 building, including cooling towers, a 120 meter high chimney, foundations, absorption columns and office buildings.

2010-04
Dutch Public Works & Water Management department

Location: Rotterdam - Description: Remediation of control rooms various tunnels.

2013-11
NLR

2013-01
Aquafin

2013-01
Tata Steel

IJmuiden, the Netherlands - Removal of two boilers (boiler 21 and 22).

2013-01
GSK

Rixenart, Belgium - Dismantling cooling water lines.

2013-01
Industeel

Charleroi, Belgium - Soil remediation.

2013-01
CEI-De Meyer

Duffel, Belgium - Removal of railroad viaduct at Duffel Belgium.

2013-01
Janssen Farmaceutica

Beerse, Belgium - Demolition of a pilot plant.

2013-01
Oiltanking

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of several tanks.

2013-01
Sagrex

Sagrex, Belgium - Dismantling of crushing line of the Quenast quarry.

2013-01
Palm

Steenhuffel, Belgium - Demolition of several process lines.

2012-01
Smurfit Kappa

Roermond, the Netherlands - Demolition of a watertank.

2012-01
Borealis

Beringen, Belgium - Demolition of an HDPE plant.

2012-01
Styrolution

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of concrete constructions.

2012-01
Air liquide

Seraing, Belgium - Demolition of a 600 T2 Nebulizer.

2012-01
Monument Chemicals

Antwerpen, Belgium - Demolition chimneys and several installations.

2012-01
ExxonMobil

Antwerp, Belgium - Demolition of the Hydrotreater at the Performance Intermediates Plant in Antwerp.

2012-01
Fuji Oil

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of EVRA.

2012-01
Ineos

Geel, Belgium - Demolition of spheres.

2012-01
ATPC Terminal

Antwerp, Belgium - Creation of several concrete openings at the VTTI oil terminal.

2012-01
Umicore

Olen, Belgium - Removal of the 74 meter high brouhon tower and part of the process installations.

2012-01
Praxair

Oevel, Belgium - Removal of the coldbox and installations.

2012-01
Removal theatre

Helmond, the Netherlands - Removal of theatre 't Speelhuis which was destroyed during a heavy fire.

2011-01
BASF

Feluy, Belgium - Removal of several installations and two chimneys with a height of 100 meters. The chimneys were removed by means of remote controlled unmanned demolition crane and FRACO system.

2011-01
SPE Gent

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of inlet duct.

2011-01
Katoen Natie

Antwerp, Belgium - Remediation of buildings damaged by fire.

2011-01
Sadaci

Ghent, Belgium - Demolition of molybdenum-aluminum furnaces.

2011-01
NEOCHIM

Feluy, Belgium - Demolition of several tanks at the NEOCHIM biodiesel and glycerine plant in Feluy.

2011-01
Pier van Scheveningen

Scheveningen, The Netherlands - Removal of building on pier, which was destroyed during a fire.
Burned residue was transported by helicopter.

2011-01
DSM

IJmuiden, The Netherlands - Removal of the complete DSM plant with an area of 130,000 m². The plant consisted of 40 building, including cooling towers, a 120 meter high chimney, foundations, absorption columns and office buildings.

2010-04
Dutch Public Works & Water Management department

Location: Rotterdam - Description: Remediation of control rooms various tunnels.

Cases

Due to evolving technologies and insights, the plants of chemical company BASF are subject to continuous change. On the Feluy site in Belgium, for instance, a 10 hectare area with various installations became redundant. The two most striking objects were chimneys of respectively 110 and 65 metres high. In addition to the two chimneys, KOOLE delivered the area in 6 months, fully ready for construction. The demolition included a range of objects such as gas spheres, reactors and pipeline routes and eventually the separated disposal of the waste. On a few nearby sites, large storage tanks (with a 30 metre diameter) were also removed.

Due to the prohibition to transport ammonia by rail, the DSM Agro site in IJmuiden became obsolete. Since 1929, DSM had been producing chemical fertilizers on the Tata Steel site (formerly Corus). KOOLE has been contracted by Tara Steel to demolish all buildings and to deliver the site ready for construction. The site covers an area of approx. 130,000 m². The site contains 40 objects to be demolished. These objects vary from office buildings to cooling towers and from factory halls to a 120 metre high chimney.